(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of articles
about the CHV&T Railroad (now Chessie System)...the towns along the
line from Toledo to the Ohio River..some of the industry and the scenery,
as it was before and after the turn ofthe century.)

My information reference, The Remembrancer, published
by the CHT&T Railroad, described Delaware: "This beautiful and progressive
city, properly termed the "Parlor City of the Buckeye State."

"Delaware is additionally attractive by the palatial
character of its man- sions, and the cozy and comfortable cottages,
to say nothing of the archi- tectural grandeur of its public edifices
and commercial emporiums. The com- mercial houses of the city are
quite a metropolitan character and the retail trades are well represented."

CITY OF AMPLE TRANSPORTATION

Back then, in addition to the CHV&T Railroad, there
was also the Big Four, The B&O, and the Central & Columbus Short Line
serving Delaware, as well as an electric street railway which covered
nearly all sections of the city.

Delaware also had the celebrated Odevene Springs, the
waters of which were noted for their medicinal qualities, attracting
thousands of people annually.

Greenwood Lake, on the edge of the city, was said to
be one of the most charming excursion resorts in the state. The lake
itself covered more than 30 acres and abounded with fish. A 50-acre
grove surrounded the lake, and contained restaurant, dance hall, amusements,
tennis courts, swings, bowling alleys, croquet courts, speaker's stand,
drives and walks.

The lake itself was constructed in 1873, and progressively
the other features were added.

OHIO WESLEYAN BOON TO DELAWARE

Today, just as back then, Ohio Wesleyan University was
an important institu- tion in Delaware. Many readers will recall the
days spent at OWU, and its contribution to their education and careers.

"Ohio Wesleyan University...this great, grand institution
was founded in 1843-44, the first term being held in the latter year,"
said The Remembran- cer.

"In 1873 it was unitd with the ladies' seminary, also
in Delaware, since which time the University has been accessible by
both sexes."

OWU was founded and supervised by five conferences and
the alumni of the Methodist church. In 1893, attendance was 1,200,
consisting of students from the U.S. and all parts of the world. Thirty-three
regular tutors, besides others, made up the staff.

DELAWARE BUSINESS DELAWARE CHAIR COMPANY

Established in 1870, that company manufactured cane-seat
and upholstered chairs and rockers. Its location was near the river
and close to the Big Four Railroad. Between 150 and 200 skilled workers
were employed. Their products had world-wide reputation.

RIDDLE GRAFF AND COMPANY

Established in 1867, the company manufactured cigars
and were wholesale deal- ers in cigars and tobaccos; 135 skilled cigar-makers
were employed to produce as many as 7,000,000 cigars annually. Their
products were distributed na- tionwide and required five travelling
salesmen.

DELAWARE CLAY MFG. COMPANY

They manufactured vitrified sewer pipe, drain tile,
paving brick and other clay products. Established in 1891, the plant
was located next to the Big Four tracks. A three-story 150 by 150-foot
building and six kilns, plus other buildings, comprised their facilities.
Thirty people were employed. The Dennison family were the principals
of the company.

HOUSER & HOEFFLE

This was a business located in a three-story brick building,
and doing both wholesale and retail business in hardware and specialities,
including "baby" carriages, guns, fishing tackle, paints, oils, glass
and farm implements.

U.S. CARRIAGE WOOD WORKING CO.

Located on Union Street, in a two-story brick building,
this company manu- factured gears, seats, bodies and other parts for
all types of carriages.

J.S. HALE

A manufacturer of hoe, fork and rake handles. All handles
were made of second-growth ash.

HOTELS

Delaware had two hotels back then. Hotel Donavin had
60 sleeping rooms and was owned by J.W. and L.K. Donavin.

The New Hotel Blee was opened in 1893. It was located
one block from Odevene Springs, to accommodate those taking treatments
there.

BANKS

First National Bank received its charter under the National
Banking Act of the U.S. in 1864. It was capitalized at $100,000.

The Delaware Savings Bank Co. was established in 1891.
It rapidly built up individual deposits aggregating $125,000.